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THE INNER LIFE 



LOUISA HORTON PIKE. 



" Life is only brlfclit when it proceecJetli 
Toward a truer, deeper life above." 



^ 



WORCESTER .- 
Press of C ii a s . Ham 
311 Main Street 
1S9C. 




■^252S^^^^T 



'<^^^ 






Enlered according to act of Cougress, in tlie year 1896, 

By Louisa Horton Pike, 

in tlie office of the Librarian of Congress, at Wasliiugtou, U. C. 



"V 






TO THE DEAR ONES 

WHOSE LOVE 

HAS MADE LIFE BEAUTIFUL 

TO ME. 






Page. 

My Alabaster Box . . . .5 

My Saviour ..... 7 

Where is Heaven? .... 8 

Soul Longings . . . . 10 

The Beautiful Way . . . .11 

Doubts and Fears . . . . 12 

Twilight Meditation . . . .13 

Higher, My Soul .... 14 

Look Up . . . . . .15 

For Jesus' Sake .... IG 

Witnessing for Christ . . .17 

Love, Trust, Obedience ... 18 

Thornless Roses . . . .18 

Evening Hymn . . . . lo 

The Hidden Future . . . .19 

Prayer ..... 20 

The Life I would live . . .21 

Communion Day .... 22 

Life's Dreary Days . . . .23 

Forever Near .... 24 

At Night ...... 25 

After ...... 25 

How, When and Where . . .26 

Consecration ..... 26 

Tired ...... 27 



VIII. 



Could we but see Jesus 

TO BE Nothing 
Christmas Hymn 
They're passing on 
Thy Kingdom Comb . 

How COULD I LIVE WITHOUT THEE 

Easter Bells 

My New Name 

What does it all amount to? 

"What does Death mean? 

Evening Prayer 

The far away Hills 

Loving Ministry 

1 THANK Thee, O my Fathe 
Life's Silent Side 
The Best AVealth 
Think kindly of me 
The Kinship of Souls . 
To Phillips Brooks . 
Unseen Dear Ones 
God's Mysteries 
A Lesson of Trust 
Saturday Night 
Glorified . 
Help the Sorrowing 
Be Cheerful 
Sabbath Hours 



28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
38 
39 
40 
41 
42 
43 
44 
45 
46 
48 
50 
50 
52 
53 
54 
55 
56 
57 



B^OEQ Tp ir^I^E^ LIBE. 



flD^ alabaster Box. 

What shall I do for the Lord to-day, 

O what shall I do for the Master? 
How can I break in some humble way 

My box of alabaster? 
Some perfume sweet fain would I bring, 

In loving adoration, 
And scatter round my Lord and King, 

Though lowly is my station. 

But there is a fence of daily care, 

Like iron, around me builded. 
The high, strong bars are brown and bare, 

Not one of them is gilded. 
I strive to find some open gate, 

But vain is my endeavor ; 
I seem shut in by cruel fate. 

To work and work forever. 

Such were my thoughts, in the dim, gray dawn, 
When first I aroused from slumber ; 

They had oft been mine in the early morn. 
When my cares I began to number. 



But this time, luuic than ever before, 
I longed some service to render ; 

I longed to find some open door 
For service loving and tender. 

The angel of sleep again drew near, 

And, gently my eyelids pressing, 
Bade all my fears to disappear, — 

I was lulled by her soft caressing. 
Dim, and dimmer, my chamber grew. 

More distant the robin's song sounded, — 
Fading away from my mystified view 

Was the fence that my life had siu'rounded. 

Once more in my humble home I wrought, 

And One was standing beside me, 
Who said, " O, take no anxious thought, 

But let my counsel guide thee ;" 
And then, in a voice so sweet and low, 

In tones so gentle and tender. 
He spake, "Dear child, O, wouldst thou 
know 

How the sweetest service to render?" 

" By faithfully doing life's every-day things. 

With a heart ever patient and willing, 
Thou wilt know the joy such service brings, 

While thy mission thou'lt be fidfilling. 
Dear child, if my hand thou wilt but take, 

In thy longings to ser\'e the Master, 
Thou wilt find each day just how to break 

The box of alabaster." 



Then into my soul came a beautiful peace, 

It seemed like the peace of a river, 
It gave to my spirit so sweet a release, 

That I knew the dear Christ was the giver. 
Again the sweet song of the robin I. heard 

And quickly from slumber upspringing, 
My soul caught the song of the red-breasted 

bird. 
And tlie world seemed full of sinarinsf. 



flD^ Saviour, 

I'm sitting alone in the gloaming. 
The day, with its bustle and din, 

Fades away from my poor, tired spirit. 
While a heavenly Guest enters in. 

No rustle of light trailing garments, 
No tread, e'en of unsandalled feet, 

Breaks in on the silence around me. 
To tell of this Presence, so sweet. 

Most lovingly tender He whispers, 
And bids me repose on His breast ; 

While tlie arms of His love doth enfold me. 
Covered o'er with His mercy I rest. 

O why, when life's care and its labor 

My spirit so oft doth oppress, 
Do I not behold Him beside me. 

Ready to strengthen and bless? 



Mbcre is Ibcaven ? 

O where is Heaven ? the soul inquires ; 

() where is that beautiful place, 
That every longing soul desires 

When ends this earthly race? 
O where that land of perfect bliss, 

Where love fills all the air? 
And just to be is blessedness, 

O tell me where, O where? 

Is it far beyond the ether blue, 

That stretches from pole to pole. 
Just hiding from our mortal view, 

That beautiful home of the soul? 
And are there gates to enter there, 

Bright gates with pearly bars. 
When the angel of death our souls shall bear 

To the other side of the stars? 

And are there really streets of gold 

In that city not made with hands? 
Shall we a sea of glass behold 

When we join the heavenly bands? 
There surely must be mansions there. 

For Christ has told us so ; 
Of what the beautiful structures are 

No soul on earth can know. 



In vain we ask with curious zest, — 

All questioning is vain ; 
So we must feel, had it been best 

God would have made it plain. 
And since His word no answer gives," 

Why seek we thus to know, 
Just where the golden city is. 

Where crystal waters flow? 

O, rather seek to know the joy 

That heavenly living gives, 
Enter the Master's sweet employ 

And learn what Heaven is. 
Forgetting self for others' good 

Full many a joy unfolds, 
He who this truth has understood 

The heavenly secret holds. 

Go, ask of him, who in His name, 

The cup of water gives, 
Who, all unknown by earthly fame. 

In Christ's sweet service lives. 
Content to go where He may lead. 

To labor, wait or bear, 
And ministers to many a need 

And lightens many a care. 

Ask him, whose will most passive lies 

Before the will of God, 
Who glad and willingly obeys 

The Father's slightest nod, 



lO 

Ask him, who, self- forgetful, seeks 

A brother in distress, 
And gentle words of comfort speaks 

In loving friendliness. 
Again our questioning is in vain, 

No answer do we hear ; 
Perchance the answer will be plain, 

If we list with soul, not car. 
Ah ! now we have it, if the heart 

And hand to Christ are given. 
To us the Master will impart 

The very joy of Heaven. 

Soul XongitiGe. 

Dear vSaviour, make me more like Thee, 
From every sin I would be free, 
O take my hand, and lead my way, 
That I may never go astray. 
A loving heart, with patience sweet, 
O may I find at Thy dear feet ; 
And while I wait to know Thy will 
O may Thy love my bosom fill. 
May every corner of my heart 
For Thy dear self be set apart, 
O let there be no empty space 
Where sin can find a hiding place. 
Close to Thee would I ever keep. 
In flowery paths or waters deep. 
E'en when Thy face I cannot see 
My soul would firmly cling to Thee. 



II 



Zbc 16eautiful ma^. 

O, a beautiful way is the way of the King, 
For his love every need has supplied ; 

They never need falter who journey therein, 
For the great King himself is their guide. 

They never grow weary or hungry and faint, 
For their strength is renewed day by day ; 

Not a murmuring sigh or a bitter complaint 
E'er is heard in that beautiful way. 

Though the entrance is lowly, and straight is 
the gate. 

For all who will come there is room ; 
To make preparation none ever need wait, 

For just as you are you can come. 

It ever is sounding, the King's pleading call. 

To walk in the beautiful way ; 
A warm, loving welcome is waiting for all 

Who will gladly and sweetly obey. 

O, friend, have you chosen the beautiful way.'' 

Is all its sweet blessedness thine? 
Does your love for the King grow stronger each 
day .'' 

Does your light, day by day, brighter shine.'' 

If still you are wandering in gloom and unrest, 

O hasten the call to obey ; 
And your loving obedience will ever be blest. 

For Christ is The Beautiful Way ! 



12 



O why these doubts, and why these fears, 
Why all these sighs, and bitter tears? 
Has God, whose love is ever free, 
Withdrawn his face, forsaken me? 

Or can it be, through long years past, 
I've been deceived ? have never cast 
My burdens really on the Lord, 
And found the sweet, the rich reward? 

Perhaps I never really knew 
The sinner's cry, What shall I do ! 
Have never trul}' placed my trust 
Beyond the reach of moth and rust. 

And yet, to me has oft been given 
An inward peace, that told of heaven ; 
When o'er me gathered cloud and storm. 
Within my soul was peace and calm. 

Whence came to me those trusting days. 
Those hours so filled with grateful praise? 
And whence the love that filled my heart, 
That gave to hate no place nor part? 

Earth gives no answer, so I turn 

And seek from God the truth to learn. 

None ever sought the Lord in vain, 

" The still small voice, gives answer plain." 



13 

Our heavenly Father sometimes hides, 
We cannot see where He abides, 
But though our fears and doubts grow wild, 
He ever loves a trusting child. 

So I will take His hand, and feel 
If He but lead 'twill all be well. 
Whether I walk in shade or light. 
His gfuidinsT hand will lead arieht. 



^wiliQbt fIDcMtatton, 

Sweet to the soul this tranquil hour. 
When o'er us steals with silent power 
A holy hush, a sacred calm. 
To weary ones a healing balm. 

Blest hour ! when heaven seems very near. 

When earthly worries disappear. 

When meditation wraps the soul, 

And sacred thoughts our hearts control. 

O precious hour ! to memory dear. 
When vanished faces reappear ; 
They close around us seem to press. 
And touch our face with soft caress. 

While here we tread life's toilsome road 
That leads us to the hills of God, 
A foretaste sweet of heavenly bliss 
Oft comes in such an hour as this. 



Ibigbcr, flDi^ Soul. 

Higher, my soul, O climb thou higher, 

Mount faith's bright, golden stairs. 
Break loose from every low desire. 

Let go thy earthly cares, 
And take the hand that reaches out 

To souls that long to rise 
Above the gloom of sin and doubt, 

Toward Heaven's cerulean skies. 

The daily task I would not leave, 

But O, my soul, keep free 
From all entanglements that weave 

A prison robe for thee. 
Live in the world th}' allotted time. 

But do not of it be, 
For He whose kingship is divine 

Claims all thy fealty. 

If thou art marred and stained by sin, 

A fountain is flowing for thee ; 
O wash and be forever clean, 

And white as the foam of the sea. 
So shalt thou dwell when thy work is done. 

In that land where it ne'er is night. 
That needs no moon, nor light of the sun. 

For the glory of God makes it light. 



15 

Then climb up higher, O soul of mine, 

Leave earth's low grovelling plane, 
The voice that calls thee is divine. 

Let not the call be in vain. 
A better portion waits for thee 

Than the world can e'er bestow, 
And in a long eternity 

Its fulness thou shalt know. 



xooF? lap. 

When wearied with life's ills and woes. 
When care disturbs thy heart's repose, 
In all thy care and weariness 
Look up, for Jesus waits to bless. 

Mysterious gloom oft veils God's ways, 
And hides Him from our longing gaze, 
But never fear, or ne'er despair. 
Look up, God's love is surely there. 

Open the windows of thy soul 
And let thy faith her wings unfurl. 
Chain it not down to grief's dark night. 
Look up, and faith will catch the light. 

In all thy sorrows, all thy joys, 
In all the scenes thy life employs. 
In all life's changes, great and small. 
Look up, God's love is in them all. 



i6 

O give to Christ the best you have, 

E'en then the gift is small, 
For hath not He, our souls to save. 

Laid dow^n His life for all ? 

'Tis not the greatest deeds alone. 

That God's approval wins, 
For doing faithfully at home 

The very little things. 

Will serve and please the heavenly King 

As well as greater deeds, — 
He notes the slightest offering. 

E'en each kind thought He heeds. 

The impatient look or tone to bear, 

Without a quick reply, — 
Another's grief or toil to share. 

To heed another's sigh. 

O, these are very little things 

To do for Jesus' sake. 
But just such little offerings 

The sweetest Christians make. 



17 

Mttnc06tna for Cbriet* 

O, are we witnessing for Christ, 

Do all our actions show 
That whate'er comes our love for Him 

Will ever brightly glow? 

O let us turn our eyes within, 

And see if all we do 
Will prove to others that our love 

For Christ is warm and true. 

If but the little light we give 

With love is daily fed, 
No oil will burn with purer flame, 

Or brighter rays will shed. 

If service in the Master's work 
Engage our hearts and hands, 

A joy flows in and fills the soul. 
No worldling understands. 

No sweeter service can we know 
Than that which Jesus claims ; 

No task will ever irksome prove 
When love the heart enchains. 

Alas ! although the oil is free. 
Sometimes our liglit is dim ; 

We fail to take what Jesus gives, 
We fail our lamps to trim. 

O, Saviour, help us that our lives 
May witness but for Thee, 

Then, will our light so brightly shine 
That all around may see. 



i8 



%ovc, tTruet, ©beblcncc* 

If we love a man we trust him, 

If we trust him we obey ; 
Even to his slightest wishes 

We shall nevei" answer nay. 
But with loyalty most earnest 

Our allegiance firm will prove, 
By performing loving service 

For the man w^e trust and love. 

So, if we the heavenly Master 

Trust and love, we shall obey. 
And most gladly shall we yield Him 

Loving service, day by day. 
Duty's voice will lose its sternness. 

And to privilege be turned. 
When sweet lessons of obedience 

To our Father we have learned. 



Thornless roses seldom grow 
On earth's cold sterile soil, 

Although around them we bestow 
Unstinted care and toil. 

So we must ever loosely hold 
Them in our loving grasp. 

The hurt will give us pain untold, 
If roses too close we clasp. 



19 



When in the west the sun shiks low, 

And gilds the evening sky, 
When deepening shadows longer grow, 

Proclaiming night is nigh, 
My soul is touched with silent power, 

I long to drop all care. 
And spend the tranquil, twilight hour. 

In restful, silent prayer. 

At this still hour of day's decline, 

Wells up a strong desire. 
To seek the spirit's inner shrine. 

And from the world retire. 
To shut out every sight and sound, 

That can my thoughts control, 
And find the peace that gathers round 

The silence of the soul. 



Zbc 1bi^^cn future, 

»^ 

How wisely hath our Father's love 
Hid from our curious gaze, 

The ever turning, winding path, 
Which leads us through life's ways. 

No order in creation's plan, 
His love more plainly shows, 

Than that which bids us trust to Him 
Life's future joys and woes. 



A blessed thing 'tis, not to know, 

It makes us hope and trust, 
It makes the spirit plume her wings 

And leave her house of dust. 

She soars high to the fount of love. 
Drinks from that crystal spring, 

And finds new strength with every draught 
A trustful song to sing. 

When all our wanderings are o'er. 

And we are safe at home, 
With visions clear we'll backward gaze. 

All, all will then be known. 



As bathes the bird in fresh pure air, 
When high from earth it flies. 

So can we bathe in God's great love 
When e'er our prayers arise. 

We tire of earth, its highest joys 

Are empty, fleeting, vain — 
Then what a joy we find in prayer, 

A joy that knows no stain. 

When once in heaven and memory calls 
To mind our feeble prayers. 

Perhaps they may appear to us 
As mercy's golden stairs. 



21 



^be Xifc If Moult) Xive, 

A simple life, a trusting one, 

Most gladly I would live, 
All pride, and worldliness would shun, 

And all that can deceive. 

Humility would be the dress 
My willing soul would wear ; 

Fain would I walk in lowliness. 
And trials meekly bear. 

But O, the task I find too hard. 

To shut out every sin, 
To keep the heart securely barred, 

That no wrong tlioughts come in. 

So, unto Thee, O Christ divine, 

I come with sorrow deep. 
And bring this sinful heart of mine 

And lay it at thy feet. 

No other refuge can I know, 

No shelter so secure. 
Where, O where, can sinners go 

And find repose so sure.'' 

Thy outstretched hand O may I take 

And gladly follow Thee, 
Content to labor, bear, or wait. 

Just which is best for me. 
3 



22 



Communion Dai?, 

This is the sweet communion day ! 

O Saviour, Lord, divine, 
Take all our earthly thoughts away, 

And bless the bread and wine. 
Thy wondrous love this feast has planned. 

In loving tenderness. 
We take it as from Thy dear hand, 

And all our sins confess. 

Here would we meet Thee, face to face, 

O grant the vision, sweet. 
This table with Thy presence grace. 

While here Thy people meet. 
O round our waiting hearts entwine 

Sweet bonds of unity, 
As branches live upon the vine, 

So, may we live in Thee. 

We would not always wait to spread 

The feast of bread and wine. 
But daily would our souls be fed 

With all that makes us thine. 
Communion with Thee we would hold. 

All through each passing day, — 
Do, Thou, O Christ, our lives enfold, 

That we may never stray. 



23 



Xtfe*0 Dreary S)a^6, 
,^ 

Life's dreary days to all will come, 

The chill east winds will blow, 
The turbid, sullen waves of gloom 

Around the heart will flow. 
Joy, for the present, seems to be 

Wrapped in a sable pall. 
While to complete our misery 

Hope seems beyond our call. 

The sky is leaden o'er our lives, — 

The sun's bright rays are dim. 
While all life's tuneful music dies 

In mournful requiem. 
We sit and wonder if, at last, 

Our faith and hope have gone. 
That faith that once had held us fast. 

Secure from shock and storm. 

List, weary soul ! the still, small voice. 

So gentle and serene, 
Is sweetly bidding thee rejoice, 

To waken from thy dream, 
And take the proffered good that falls 

Each day so close to thee, — 
The heart that to the Father calls 

Will ne'er unanswered be. 



24 

O, help us Father, evermore 

May all our doubtings cease, 
To gloom will we close fast the door. 

And find the Dove of Peace. 
Then let the dreary, dark days come. 

And let the east winds blow, 
Beyond God's loving care not one 

Dear child of His can gfo. 



forever 1Rear, 



Forever near to cheer and bless, 
E'en when earth's woes our souls oppress, 
Mid gloomy doubts and boding fear, 
How sweet to feel the Saviour near. 

Forever near when we are weak. 
When trials that no tongue can speak 
Wrap round our hope a sable pall. 
That Presence will sustain through all. 

Our poor, weak, faltering souls confess 
That Christ is ever near to bless, 
O, why so prone to doubt and fear. 
When that loved Presence is so near ? 

" Lo, I am with you alway," means 
That ever, through life's changing scenes, 
In all its joy or sorrows drear. 
His Presence is forever near. 



25 



Ht migbt 

In thine arms, my dear Redeemer, 
I would sweetly sink to rest, — 

Fold me, O my blessed Saviour, 
Closely to Thy loving breast. 

Night has drawn her sable curtains 
O'er the hushed and quiet earth. 

Guard me safely while I slumber, 
'Till another morn has birth. 

Rocked within kind mercy's cradle, 
I can sweetly go to sleep. 

Trusting that Thy love so boundless, 
Evermore my soul will keep. 



after. 

After the storm, the blessed calm, — 

After the turmoil, peace. 
After the bruise, the healing balm, — 

After the chain, release. 

After the hurry and worry of life, 

A blessed peaceful rest ; 
After life's day of care and strife, 

A home among the blest. 



26 



Ibow, m\)cn anb Mberc. 

How should we daily offer prayer 

To Him who waits to bless ? 
Cast on the Lord your every care, 

Your need of Him confess. 

When should our thoughts in prayer arise? 

When seek the throne of grace? 
Each passing moment, as it flies, 

At any time or place. 

Where should we go to talk with God? 

Must we a closet seek ? 
Just where we are, at home, abroad. 

The soul to God can speak. 

The faithful, loving heart well knows 
Just how, and when, and where. 

To seek the Lord, and find repose 
In simple, trustful prayer. 



Consecration* 

All for Thee, yes, all for Thee, 

May my life forever be ; 

I would not do a single thing 

To grieve Thee, O my Saviour, King. 

I would not from Thee ever stray. 

In darkest night, or brightest day ; 

And if my thoughts from Thee should roam. 

With Thee O may they find their home. 



27 

My heart direct and keep it pure, 
Make me most patiently endure 
Whate'er Thy love may send to me^ — 
Whate'er my part in life may be. 

Each passing moment of my life 
Would I have free from sin and strife ; 
United closely unto Thee, 
I'd live in true humility. 



I'm tired, Father, let me rest. 
Like a child upon its mother's bi'east, 
And soothe me, as long years ago 
A gentle hand once soothed my brow. 

O take me in Thine arms of love, 

And from my spirit far remove 

All murmuring thoughts, hush every sigh, — 

O, let me feel Thy presence nigh. 

Earth's burdens round me thick are prest 
I'm O, so tired, let me rest. 
Forgive me, if I faint and fall. 
Dear Father, O forgive me all. 

As fold the flowers their tiny leaves. 
When night's cool wind upon them breathes, 
So, as night's shades around me close, 
O, fold my soul in sweet repose. 



28 



Coulb we but Bcc 3e0us, 

O could we see Him, face to face, 

And hear his gentle voice. 
In loving words of truth and grace. 

How would our hearts rejoice ! 
His very self could we behold 

And really touch his hand, 
Methinks our love would ne'er grow cold 

Could we close by Him stand. 
The cares of earth faith's vision dims, 

We strive to feel our way. 
We stumble, while so many sins 

Beset us, day by day. 
Hard, hard it is to grope along, 

Not knowing where to go — 
Too oft we sing a minor song 

In murmurs sad and low. 
Ours is the privilege to sing, 

A glorious hymn of praise, 
O let our voices sweetly ring 

And gladden all our days. 

The blessed Saviour, face to face, 

'Tis true, we cannot see, 
But loving hearts a dwelling-place 

For his dear Self will be. 
O, let us seek, forevermore, 

Each sin to overcome. 
Then love will open wide the door, 

And give the Saviour room. 



29 



to be nothing to myself, 

But something Lord to Thee ; 
I'd gladly give of love's sweet wealth 
That Thou hast given me. 

1 would not shrink from any task 

Or sacrifice for Thee ; 
I'd give myself to all who ask, 
In loving ministry. 

lead me by Thy guiding hand 
In paths of service true. 

1 would most fully understand 
What Thou wouldst have me do. 

If in my home Thou bid'st me stay 
And show to dear ones there 

Just how to bear, from day to day, 
The dull routine of care — 

When I would do some greater thing 
To show my love for Thee, 

Some sacrifice or offering. 
To prove my fealty — 

O then in service glad and free 

I'd prove most earnestly 
That nothing to myself I'd be, 

But something, Lord, for Thee. 



30 



Cbrtetinae Ib^mn, 

Softly pealing, sweetly stealing 
Through the vales of long ago, 

Comes the sound of angel voices 
Soft and low. 

Listen to the heavenly singers, 
Music sweet that never dies. 

What the message they are bringing 
From the skies? 

They are singing, ever singing. 
Tidings glad that ne'er will cease ; 

Singing as the shephei^ds heard them, 
Bringing peace. 

Cradled in a lowly manger, 
Blest all other babes above, 

Jesus lay, God's full expression 
Of His love. 

God incarnate ! Wondrous story ! 

Peace on earth, to men good will ; 
Through the earth the glorious tidings 

Echo still. 



31 



They're silently passing, one by one, 

Passing on to that beautiful home 

Where sorrow and suffering never are known. 

They're passing on. 
Away from our fond and loving embrace, 
They're passing on to that blissful place 
Where they can behold the Saviour's face. 

They're passing on. 
Our love would ever keep them here. 
Would safely shield them from every fear ; 
But, alas ! they must go, however dear. 

They're passing on. 
No power on earth can e'er prevail 
To keep them when the flesh doth fail ; 
Alone they go, down the misty vale. 

They're passing on. 
O cruel it seems, we love them so. 
That down to the river with silent flow, 
Alone our precious ones must go. 

They're passing on. 
Faith whispers, in the Saviour's arms, 
Whose loving care all fear disarms, 
They are safely borne where nought alarms. 

They're passing on. 

Sweet faith sees through the dreadful gloom 
That gathers round the silent tomb 
To where immortal pleasures bloom. 
They're passing on. 



32 

Zh"^ 1kino^om Come, 

O what do we mean when we breathe forth the 
prayer, 

Every day for God's kingdom to come? 
Are we really in earnest to do our full share, 

That the will of the Lord may be done? 

Are we ready and willing to sacrifice self, 

And labor that others may find 
The riches that ever surpass earthly wealth 

When once they possess heart and mind? 

Do our lives ever prove that our prayer is 
sincere? 
Do we bear with submission each ill? 
Does our faith bring us peace unclouded by 
fear ? 
Do we sweetly rely on God's will ? 

The three little words are so easy to speak, 
We're in danger lest lightly they fall 

Each day from our lips when desire is so weak 
That the heart is not in them at all. 

O vain the petition apart from desire — 
Desire born of faith and of works, 

Which go hand in hand, and ever conspire 
To a growth where no secret sin lurks. 



33 

If " Thy kingdom come" is truly the prayer 
Of the heart, it most earnestly strives 

That no evil thought shall find a place there ; 
And our influence w^ill bless other lives. 

When really in earnest we breathe forth the 

prayer 
That God's kingdom may come here below, 
Sweet virtues will blossom, most fragrant and 

rare, 
And fruit in abundance will grow. 



Ibow coulb II live witbout ^bee? 

How could I live without Thee, 

O Saviour, Lord divine.^ 
How could I live without Thee, 

With the trials that are mine? 
How could I bear the burdens 

That heavy on me press. 
Without Thy constant presence 

To strengthen and to bless? 

How could I live without Thee 

When wrongly judged or blamed? 
When slight misunderstandings, 

Too trivial to be named, 
Make those we love and cherish. 

Their sympathy withhold, 
Who, when we look for loving ways. 

Seem strangely harsh and cold? 



34 

How could I live without Thee, 

When sorrow's bitter cup 
Is to my lips pressed closely, 

With pain in every drop ? 
Or, when all bruised and bleeding 

The heart lies crushed with grief, 
How could I live without Thee 

Who alone can give relief? 

I could not live without Thee 

Though all the world were mine, 
With all its priceless jewels 

That most resplendent shine. 
I could not live without Thee, 

I would not if I could. 
Though scattered all around me 

Lay every earthly good. 



lEastcr Belle* 

O ring out ye bells ! ring out in sweet strain, 
Let hilltop and valley take up the refrain ; 
The sweetest of stories your melody tells. 
Then joyfully ring, O ring out ye bells ! 

This glorious morn, while the Easter bells ring, 
O what shall we lay at the feet of our King ? 
Shall we gather pure lilies and sweet roses 

twine 
And gratefully bring them to garland His 

shrine? 



35 

Shall we seek for a casket of rich alabaster, 
Filled with perfume, to break at the feet of our 

Master? 
Shall we bring forth rare jewels from earth's 

richest store 
And cast down before Him, whom angels 

adore ? 

O bring forth the best, our allegiance to show 
The highest and noblest that mortals can know ; 
The offerings that best shall our loyalty prove 
Are lilies of service and roses of love. 

Then ring out ye bells ! ring out in sweet strain, 
Let hilltop and valley take up the refrain. 
The sweetest of stories your glad music tells, 
Then joyfully ring, O ye sweet Easter bells ! 



flDi? mew mamc* 

" And I will write upon him mj new name." 

— Rev. 3:12. 

O what will my new name be in heaven.'' 

O what will my new name be, 
When the ties of earth have all been riven 

And the Saviour's face I see.^ 

Will it sound like the name they call me here.'' 
Will it sound like the name I bear, 

As it softly falls on my willing ear, 
Oft spoken with loving care.'' 



36 

O will not the name be sweet I shall hear? 

O will not the name be sweet 
That the Father shall speak in tones most dear, 

When my earth life is complete? 

Will the dear ones know in that blissful home, 
Will the dear ones know my name, 

When through the golden streets I roam 
Beyond all sorrow and pain? 

In vain do I ask or strive to see, — 

In vain is the question prest, 
But of this I am sure, my name will be 

The name that will fit me best. 



Mbat boes it all Bmount ^o ? 

What does it all amount to, 
This life of toil and grind? 

This anxious care and worry 
Of body, soul and mind ? 

What more is life than a treadmill. 

Just over and over again? 
To look for anything better 

Thus far has been in vain. 

It matters little when death comes 

To end this dull routine ; 
For what does it all amount to 

But a restless troublesome dream ? 



37 

'Twas thus spake one whose vision 
Discouragement had blurred, 

By whom sweet words of comfort 
Were all too rarely heard. 

Environments had stifled 
All thought of better days ; 

The star of hope was darkened, 
Despair obscured her rays. 

But do not coldly censure, 

Nor even gently blame ; 
But rather go with words of cheer 

And comfort in His name. 



The life all sad and weary 
With a loving spirit touch ; 

Christ gave to us a mission 
To minister to such. 



Go, lift the heavy burden 
By love and kindly deeds ; 

Then tell the old, old story, 

'T is what the tired heart needs. 



When outward, onward, upward. 
The spirit has been turned, 

'T will find what life amounts to. 
As the lesson sweet is learned. 
4 



38 



Mbat WocQ H)eatb flDean? 

What does death mean to those who pass 

Fore'er from earth away ? 
What does death mean to those, alas ! 

Who still on earth must stay? 

To souls set free from mortal ills 

Does it mean a life of bliss? 
When nought but love the spirit fills, 

And all is blessedness? 

We wondering ask what death must mean 
To the warm and loving heart ; 

If earth will vanish like a dream, 
When soul and body part? 

It cannot be that death's stern shock 

A final thing will prove, 
That its cold hand fore'er will lock 

From us sweet human love. 

Just what death means to thee, sweet friend. 

Is known to thee alone ; 
The hours when grief and memory blend 

Are sacredly thine own. 

To every heart its own deep grief 

Has some unspoken phase, 
From which it finds no real relief 

All through the darkened days. 



39 

But O, what comfort in the thought, 
Our heavenly Father knows, 

And whatsoe'er may be our lot, 
Sufficient sfrace bestows. 



To-night, O Father, fold my dear ones 
Closely to Thy loving breast ; 

Guard them safely through the silence, 
While in sleep they sweetly rest. 

O may no troubling dreams disturb them 
While their heads soft pillows press ; 

May guardian angels round them hover. 
Ever near to soothe and bless. 

Some among the precious number 

May in weariness and pain. 
In feverish restlessness be lying, 

Looking for the morn in vain. 

O be very near them. Father, 
Let Thy love their bosoms fill ; 

Softly touch their weary eyelids, 
Gently whisper " Peace, be still." 

Through the silent midnight watches, 
While the great world lies asleep, 

Heavenly Father, all my loved ones 
Close in Thy protection keep. 



40 

As I sit and gaze on the far away hills, 
A restful peace my spirit fills, — 
A peace that only can enter in 
When dies all earthly care and sin. 

The far away hills that lovingly lie 
'Gainst the crimson flush of the sunset sky. 
With their soft green slopes and beautiful trees, 
Seem to whisper to me in the evening breeze. 

As I list to the message the zephyr brings. 
Rest over my spirit her mantle flings ; 
While the far away hills seem to beckon to me. 
To woo me away, where I fain would flee. 

While the soft hand of rest gently closes my 

eyes, 
The beautiful glow of the sunset dies ; 
When I look once again the hills are gone. 
For night's sable hand has her curtains drawn. 

Dear Lord, when I come to the close of life's 

day, 
When the angel of death comes to bear me 

away, 
May peace, everlasting, flow into my soul 
And life's incompleteness fore'er be made 

whole. 



Loving and tenderly go to the sorrowing, 

Take the dear hand, clasp it close in thine 
own. 
Words are not needed to show thy deep sym- 
pathy ; 
By the language of silence the heart may be 
known. 

Watchfid and patiently tender thy ministry, 
Let no occasion unheeded pass by, 

Wherein to bestow e'en the slightest attention, 
Thy love to the heart soothing balm may 
apply. 

When the dark cloud of sorrow so leaden and 
crushing 
Begins to pass by and a slight rift appears, 
Then soothingly whisper some sweet word of 
promise 
That may strengthen the heart though the 
eyes fill with tears. 

In the arms of thy love, O most tenderly hold 
them, 
And when they grow stronger, give comfort 
and cheer. 
When the soul is revived the world will grow 
brighter, 
The beacon of hope soon again will appear. 



42 

As time passes by there will come to the 
sorrowing 
A peace that is deeper than ever before — 
The fair flowers are crushed when the storm is 
upon them, 
But are lovelier, far, when the storm passes 
o'er. 

Dost thou know, O my friend, when thou 
comfortest others, — 
When thy kind ministrations are lovingly 
shown, — 
That the blessing that follows will ever be 
double. 
One to the sorrowing, the other thine own? 



IF tbanF? Zbcc, Q in^ ifatbcr, 

For the beautiful years my life has known 
That into the silent past have flown. 
For the loving ties around me thrown, 
I thank Thee, O my Father. 

For nature's beauty everywhere, 
For sunny skies and sweet pure air, 
For all that's mine without a care, 
I thank Thee, O my Father. 

For home and dear ones giving joy 
That nought from memory can destroy, 
For strength to toil in love's employ, 
I thank Thee, O my Father. 



43 

For him whom Thou didst give to me, 
The partner of my life to be, 
For all his love and constancy, 
I thank Thee, O my Father. 

Though he has vanished from my sight 
And dwellest now where comes no night, 
For faith to feel Thy ways are right, 
I thank Thee, O my Father. 

Because Thou hast ever been so good 
In every sharp vicissitude, 
And shown Thy loving Fatherhood, 
I thank Thee, O my Father. 

Whate'er my future may assail 
Before I reach death's misty vale, 
To know Thy love will never fail, 
I thank Thee, O my Father.. 



%\tc'Q Silent Sit)c. 

There's a silent side to every life, 

Unknown to mortal friend. 
Where joy and gladness, pain and strife. 

Most strangely interblend. 

It lieth deep within the heart, 
With fastenings most secure ; 

'T were vain to strive to break apart 
The lock so strong and sure. 



44 

Sometimes tlie key of sympathy, 
In love's deft careful hand, 

May find the lock, and softly try 
Its strength to understand. 

But though with many a loving word 
And many a sign we wait, 

'T is all in vain, no sound is heard, 
No hand swings back the gate. 

To every soul that lives and loves, 
Life's silent side is known. 

As evermore it onward moves 
Majestic and alone. 

Alone? no, not alone we cry. 

For God is ever there ; 
He gathers up each quivering sigh 

And every voiceless prayer. 



The wealth my soul most fondly craves 

Lies deep within the heart ; 
Such wealth all other far outweighs. 

And is of life a part. 

Each passing day comes more and more, 
The sweet and cheering thought. 

That life's best good, its richest store, 
With wealth can ne'er be bought. 



A5 

XLbxnk IRinM^ of flDc* 

O wait not till the silent earth 

Has hid my form away, 
Has shut forever from my sight 

The brightness of life's day, 
E'er over all my many faults, 

The mantle broad you spread, 
Which charity so quickly brings 

As soon as one is dead. 

Think kindly now and softly blame, 

While I am here to know. 
How blessed 't is to have some hearts 

Their love to one thus show. 
And do you know 't is sometimes well 

To make the heart a grave 
Wherein to bury other's faults? 

Such burial mine would have. 

O many a sad and aching heart 

Has felt the keenest pain. 
Because instead of loving words 

Were only words of blame. 
While hard to overcome some fault. 

The erring one had striven ; 
Kind words in pitying, gentle tones, 

Not cold ones, should be given. 



46 

Then do not deem me overbold, 

That I your kindness seek, 
Nor turn away with looks so cold, 

That I thus plainly speak : 
Perhaps in that bright, glad beyond, 

I shall look back and know 
That then you'll kindly think of me ; 

But wait not till I go. 



Zbc Ikinsbip of Souls, 

The kinship of souls, O what happiness rare 
It gives to the warm loving heart ! 

There is little on earth that can with it compare 
Or such a rich joy can impart. 

As we mingle with others while passing along 
On the busy, the oft crowded street, 

How often among the indifferent throng 
The face of a stranger we meet ! 

The face of a stranger, and yet we are drawn 
By the magnet that lies in the soul. 

To think of him kindly as one we have known. 
Though custom our manners control. 

As the breath of a flower in delicious perfume, 
By the wayside, half hidden from sight. 

Though in passing we scarce may have noticed 
its bloom. 
Refreshes and gives us delight. 



47 

Or a low soothing cadence of minstrelsy sweet, 

As it softly floats out on the air, 
Bearing into our spirits a freedom complete, 

From the world and its worrying care. 

So e'en but a glimpse of a soul-speaking eye. 
As perchance we are hurrying along, 

May leave an impression that never will die 
Like the flower or the sweet strain of song. 

When the trials of earth our souls closely press. 
When sorrow's dark valley we tread. 

When our spirits are crushed by the weight of 
distress. 
When white-winged hope lieth dead. 

There's a rift in the clouds, and a light glim- 
mers through. 

When some sweet kindred spirit draws nigh, 
O'erflowing with sympathy, tender and true. 

Expressed in the love-speaking eye. 

When words seem like mockery, silence is best. 

As we take the dear hand in our own. 
One can prove by the grasp, as it warmly is 
prest. 

That the heart does not sufler alone. 

If ever to mortals a foretaste is given 

Of the bliss where love sweetly controls, 

Of that home of the soul, the dear clime of 
heaven, 
It must be the kinship of souls. 



48 

O great white soul, so true and clear, 

So full of life and light 
That dismal doubt and boding fear 

Thy faith could never blight. 
In all the ongoing of thy life 

What pure springs nourished thee? 
What kept thy heart apart from strife 

And filled with charity? 

What secret force around thee built 

A wall of sure defence. 
And kept thy soul so free from guilt 

That none could take offence? 
How could thy lofty spirit stoop 

To mind life's humblest things. 
To seek the hearts where faith and hope 

Sit mute, with folded wings? 

In vain we question, not a sound 

E'er falls upon the ear ; 
Thou'rt wrapped in silence deep, profound. 

And yet we feel thou art near. 
Death's pale immortalizing hand 

From earth hath set thee free, — 
Free evermore to understand 

Heaven's deepest mystery. 



49 

A noble mission thou hast wrought. 

Full many a soul attained 
To higher, richer, nobler thought 

By thy sweet life constrained. 
What spring is to the barren earth," 

As round the season rolls, 
So thou hast been of priceless worth 

To many barren souls. 

Resurgam, promise held by faith, 

As the calyx holds the flower, 
Removed from thee all fear of death, 

And baffled all its power. 
Where songs antiphonal and grand, 

Through heaven's high arches swell. 
Where love holds sway on every hand, 

Faith says thou'lt ever dwell. 



O Christ ! thou matchless, sinless One, 

No human life can claim 
An aureole like thine, to burn 

With such transcendent flame ; 
But souls who daily walk with tliee 

And feed on living bread. 
Who wear the robes of charity, 

A pure white light may shed. 

June 22, 1893. 



50 



innsccn Bear ©nee* 

Silent voices ever ringing 

Out from heaven which round us lies, 
Phantom forms forever gliding 

Where we cast our spirit's eyes. 

Sweet low strains of heavenly music 
Softly float from realms of light, 

Dearly loved ones come to bless us 
From their home just out of sight. 

Who but those who fondly love us 
Would our Father send to bless, 

To be our gentle ministering spirits 
In hours of grief and loneliness? 

Though from mortal eyes they're hidden. 
Who can doubt their presence here? 

Though to mortal ears they're silent, 
Faith their voices oft can hear. 



(Bob's nD\>6terie0. 

How strange and dark to mortal gaze 
Are God's deep, hidden mysteries ! 
" Be still and know that I am God." 
Frail man is into silence awed. 



51 

No power on earth can know the plan 
God holds for every mortal man ; 
We only know his ways are best, 
In His great wisdom faith will rest. 

We cannot understand why one 
Whose life with radiant goodness shone. 
With love and tender sympathy, 
Must die ; 'tis all a mystery : 

Why one whose hope was firm and strong, 
Whose life appeared a sweet glad song. 
And ever helpful influence shed. 
So soon death's shadowy vale must tread. 

We cannot penetrate the gloom 
That gathers round the good man's tomb. 
But far beyond earth's shock and storm, 
Faith says, His spirit still lives on, — 

Lives on with all His powers set free 
In glorious immortality, 
While to sad hearts so sore bereft 
A legacy of love is left. 

Behind each sharp vicissitude 
E'er dwells a loving Fatherhood. 
We cannot fathom all His ways ; 
But love enfolds His mysteries. 

Suggested by the death of W. L. G. 



52 



a Xc00on of Zvxxet 

A little brown birdie flew 'gainst the pane, 
Seeking a shelter from wind and the rain. 
I threw up the sash, the birdie flew in. 
As if my compassion it surely would win. 

It perched on my shoulder, then pecked at my 

hair. 
Then fluttered and flew to the back of a chair ; 
It glanced round the room with its little black 

eye. 
As if to make sure no feline were nigh. 

Then it tipped back its head and ruffled its 

throat 
While breathless I listened to catch the first 

note. 
Then beginning a song with a sweet little trill, 
It warbled confidingly, fearing no ill. 

little brown birdie, who sent you to me.^ 
Who sent you to carol so blithely and free? 
Did the All-father tell you my spirit was sad.'* 
Did he tell you to come and make my heart 

glad ? 

Sweet comfort and peace your coming has 

brought. 
A lesson of trust to me you have taught. 
When the storms of adversity round me shall 

beat, 

1 will fly to my Father, that sure safe retreat. 



53 

In the arms of His love I sweetly will rest, 
Secure from all ill, by no dangers opprest. 
Come joy or come sorrow, whate'er, may betide. 
Evermore in His love I will safely abide. 



Sweet angel of peace, hover low o'er our home ; 

Let us hide 'neath thy soft brooding wing. 
When the day fiides away and the shadows 
have come, 

Let our hearts drink thy sweet influence in. 

O angel of rest, twin sister of peace, 

Breathe about us thy soft soothing charm ; 

Fold us in thy blankets of pure softest fleece, 
And pour o'er our spirits thy balm. 

Earth's weary ones hail thee and hasten to lay 

Each dull heavy burden aside, — 
The lingering cares one by one steal away, 

And out from thy calm presence glide. 

O may this still hour our spirits prepare 
For the hush of the calm Sabbath day, 

And O may the sweet benediction of prayer 
Give strength for our life's toilsome way. 

5 



54 

(3lortfict), 

Not dead, not dead, but glorified ; 

For death can ne'er assail 
White souls who close in Christ abide, 

Though mortal flesh may fail. 

We bow before the dreaded power 
That bears our loved away ; 

Dark mystery enshrouds the hour 
That none may solve nor stay. 

Though hushed the voice to mortal ear. 

And closed the lovelit eye ; 
And though the form we held so dear, 

Low in the grave may lie, — 

We cannot think our loved have died. 
Though hidden from our sight ; 

For faith reveals them glorified. 
All robed in spotless white. 

Some souls there are who live to bless ; 

They make us glad and strong. 
Whose lives are filled with blessedness, 

Like a sweet inspiring song. 

Such was the rich full life of one 
That has vanished all too soon. 

That swiftly, suddenly has gone. 
Ere life had reached its noon. 



55 

If years are numbered by our deeds, 

That life is full and long 
That ministers to others' needs, — 

That makes the weak ones strong. 

Then say not that our brother, friend, 

Too soon has passed away. 
A life so rich can never end, 

But lives and loves to-day. 

Where praiseful, soulful music swells, 

Antiphonal and grand. 
Faith says our Christian brother dwells 

With love on every hand. 

The influence sweet his life has shed 

Must e'er with us abide. 
And so think not of him as dead ; 

Not dead, but glorified. 



Ibelp tbc Sorrowing, 

" If the world seems cold and dark, 
Kindle fires to warm it." 

LUCY LARCOM. 

Yes, go and gladden some poor soul 
That sinks beneath its sorrow. 

The world that seems to-day so cold 
Will brighter be to-morrow. 

Kindlings enough we all may find 
If we've a heart to use them, — 

The soul that is to sloth resigned 
Is in a sad delusion. 



56 

Up and be doing while you can, 

For life is short and fleeting ; 
Work with your might through its short span ; 

God the account is keeping. 

Soon you will find that warmth and light 
Will fill the world with gladness ; 

No joy more pure, or beams more bright, 
Than that of lifirhtenins: sadness. 



:©e CbcerfuL 

Whether the world be bright or dark, 
Depends on how we take it. 

Much of the miseiy that we know, 
Is really because we make it. 

If on the windows of the soul 
We let self's cobwebs gather. 

We may be sure all through our lives 
There will be much cloudy weather. 

A cheerful heart and willing hands 
To do kind deeds for others. 

Will make the people whom we meet 
All seem like friends and brothers. 

O try it, all who think the world 

By joy and hope forsaken, 
And you will very quickly find 

That you have been mistaken. 



57 

Sabbatb Iboure. 

Silently stealing away, away, 
Are the golden hours of this Sabbath day, — 
Waiting for no one as onward they glide, 
With a record for all on their voiceless tide. 

Day of sweet peace, we hail thee with joy, 
Dismissing most gladly thoughts which annoy ; 
May pure meditations, with praises and prayer. 
For the duties of life all our spirits prepare. 

A bright golden link to me thou art ever, 
Tying the toilsome weeks together. 
An evergreen wreath on the brow of time. 
Which nought but the love of God could twine. 

If earthly Sabbaths such blessings roll 
O'er the heart of man, and refresh his soul, 
What must that blissful Sabbath be 
That fills a long eternity ? 



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